'Rosie' publisher plans to cut 120 jobs as it prepares to close

NEW YORK -- The publisher of Rosie magazine said Thursday it is eliminating 120 jobs as it prepares to shutter the magazine because of a dispute with Rosie O'Donnell.

The cuts had been expected following O'Donnell's decision last month to pull out of a joint venture with Gruner + Jahr USA to publish the magazine.

The former talk show host said G+J was denying her editorial control as promised under their business contract. G+J said O'Donnell had acted unprofessionally and irresponsibly, and is suing her for $100 million and breach of contract.

The last issue of Rosie is scheduled to go on newsstands Nov. 12, but the cuts representing most of the staff are expected to take effect this week.

In a statement, G+J said the magazine's publisher Joan Sheridan and editor in chief Susan Toepfer will remain with the company to work on new projects. Other staffers also may get new assignments.